Styling
While Toyota Avanza looks much like a commercial vehicle, Grand Livina looks family-oriented. Its front end, dominated by the grille, has been modified from Nissan Murano's. The side and rear end styling are relatively conservative and inoffensive. The 1.8-litre version adds chrome to the grille and door handles.
Handling
Sharing the same monocoque chassis as Nissan Latio, Grand Livina exhibits the same sedan-like handling characteristics. The driving experience is Latio-like, which for an MPV is quite excellent. The light, effortless steering means city driving is a breeze. And with good body control, Grand Livina certainly feels more nimble compared to Toyota Avanza.
Comfort
Grand Livina rides smoother than Nissan Latio, perhaps due to its extra weight. Importantly, it is more refined on highways than Toyota Avanza. The cabin feels modern and functional, but a few more storage areas would be ideal. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, but the steering wheel offers no reach adjustments and the front seats could do with more thigh support. The 1.8-litre version uses a wood trim for a more premium feel.
Quality + Reliability
Sharing the steering wheel, instrument binnacle, gear lever, radio and a number of switchgear with Nissan Latio, Grand Livina has the assurance of quality in those areas. The dashboard is more stylish but lacks the softer materials and tactility found in Latio. In addition, the front doors produce a hollow noise when shut. As for all cars wearing the Nissan badge, we expect Grand Livina to be mechanically reliable in the longer term.
Performance
Matched with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, the 1.6-litre, without CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control), produces 104 bhp and 150 Nm. Available only with a 4-speed automatic, the 1.8-litre with CVTC produces 124 bhp and 174 Nm. The 1.6-litre responds eagerly, and feels especially punchy in the mid rev-range. Most should do fine with the 1.6-litre as the 1.8-litre goes barely faster.
Roominess
The highlight of Grand Livina—room for seven. Considering the wheelbase to be the same as Nissan Latio's at 2600 mm, there is a surprising amount of head- and leg-room in the middle and last row. The last row room is still only adequate for adults, and since the middle row can slide forward and backward, both rows are highly useable. With Grand Livina's low height, ingress and egress are also easy. The last row seating bench can not be split, though.
Running Costs
Since Grand Livina is equipped with the same engines as Nissan Latio, we expect slightly worse (due to marginal weight increase) but still good fuel economy. Both servicing bills and depreciation should be reasonable. The popular Nissan brand, while still not as strong as Honda or Toyota, will enable Grand Livina to maintain fairly competitive resale values.
Value For Money
Grand Livina feels better engineered compared to competing seven-seaters below RM 100,000. Notable competitors in this budget MPV segment include the lower-priced Toyota Avanza and identically-priced Naza Citra II Rondo. Of the three, Grand Livina stands out with its family-oriented styling and sedan-like handling. The 1.6-litre version is our preferred choice.
Equipment
1.6-litre version gets 15" aluminium alloy wheels, power windows, air-conditioning, power door locks, reverse sensor, 2-Din AM/FM radio, single-CD player and 4 door speakers. 1.8-litre version adds fog lamps and polished 15" aluminium alloy wheels. Safety equipments for both versions include dual front SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist).
Environment
Relative to many seven-seater MPVs' powerplants, the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre in Grand Livina are small in engine capacity, and thus have lower carbon dioxide emissions and better fuel economy. Take the ability to carry seven into consideration (meaning less pollution per occupant), and Grand Livina becomes “greener” than many other cars.
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